Student Information

Friday, May 18th and Saturday, May 19th

Those candidates who choose to participate in commencement are encouraged to invite their families and friends to attend as their guests. Tickets are required for admittance. The ceremony will last approximately two hours and 30 minutes. Students need to arrive at the Soccer Field two hours before their ceremony begins.

You must apply to graduate by April 16, 2018 to guarantee that your name will be listed in the Commencement program.

Things to do before the ceremony

Rehearsal

A rehearsal for all participants will be held on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018. The rehearsal will begin at 2:00 p.m. and is expected to take approximately 1 hour. Please gather at the gates to Freeman Stadium.

Assembly information

Graduating students should assemble on the West side of the Otter Soccer Complex at least 2 hours before their ceremony starts. It may seem early, but the time goes very quickly. You should plan in advance if you live off campus and allow at least an extra 45 minutes for parking due to heavy traffic. Please arrive at the Soccer Otter Field dressed and ready to go, including cap, gown, tassel, hair, make-up and appropriate clothing complete. There will be bathrooms and mirrors available for last minute touch ups.Complimentary pastries and beverages will be provided. You will receive directions from commencement officials. Please give them your attention for instructions. The Bookstore will be on-hand for last minute purchases, BUT DO NOT WAIT to buy your gown the morning of Commencement.

Line up procedure

Graduates will line up according to college and degree program. Faculty marshals will direct the procession to the commencement platform site located at the east end of the stadium field.

Ceremony information

Candidates for degrees and credentials will be recognized individually by being called to the platform. Each name will be read from a card that candidates will find inside commencement programs located on their seats. Please fill out this card when you arrive at your seat and prior to crossing the stage.

Please have your hands free and clear while crossing the stage as there will be handshakes. Please remove sunglasses prior to crossing the stage. There are two photo opportunities on stage.

Honors and distinction

Students graduating with Academic Honors and Distinction in the Major will be recognized at the Commencement Ceremony.

Academic Honors

Awarded to students achieving an overall grade-point average of 3.5 and higher, Academic Honors are based on completion of at least three semesters in residence at CSUMB. Second Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree candidates are not eligible for Academic Honors.

All students who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for honors may wear honor cords during the commencement ceremony. These cords will be given at GradFest. A letter will be sent by the end of March to all students whose Academic Honors eligibility has been verified.

To find out if you are receiving Academic Honors go to My CSUMB and under the Student Services and Financial Aid menu, go to Student Record Information, then click on view academic transcript. Next, click on display transcript and scroll down to Transcript Totals. If your overall GPA is 3.5 or higher and you meet the criteria above (as of Fall 2017), you are graduating with honors at commencement.

Distinction in the Major

Awarded to undergraduate students who are judged by the faculty of each academic program to have made outstanding contributions to the program, the specific standards for Distinction in the Major are determined by individual programs. Students should check with their college dean, department chair or program coordinator if they have questions about Distinction in the Major.

Other information

Guests or family member are not permitted at the Otter Soccer Field. They should be heading to Freeman Stadium to get their seats, which are available on a first come, first serve basis. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. for the morning ceremony and 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon ceremonies.

Please make arrangements to meet your family and friends at a specific location after the ceremony is concluded and after all students, faculty and the platform party have left the seating area. We highly recommend that area be outside of Freeman Stadium.

Degree candidates should keep in mind this is an outdoor ceremony with no shade and you should be prepared both for heat and inclement weather.